Accountant III

Montgomery County Maryland; Manhattan (KS); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS is seeking an Accountant III to provide comprehensive fiscal support across budgets, sponsored projects, procurement, payroll and HR activities. The role emphasizes accurate financial management, compliance and responsive service to faculty, staff and leadership.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and three years of relevant experience.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Experience with university financial systems, sponsored research administration, procurement, travel, or related business processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience with financial databases or accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor budgets and financial projections; analyze expenditures, balances and variances; ensure accurate, timely and compliant financial activity; prepare reports and advise faculty, staff and leadership on fiscal status and projected needs.
• Manage post-award financial activities for sponsored projects and matching accounts, including budgets, expenditures, commitments, reconciliations, reporting, corrections and closeout. Ensure transactions and documentation meet sponsor and university requirements and support audits and compliance reviews.
• Review and process procurement, travel, payment, and vendor transactions for accuracy, funding, and compliance. Provide guidance on fiscal procedures and systems, including Concur, and coordinate with central offices to resolve issues.
• Manage assigned personnel and payroll actions, including position changes, searches, hiring, onboarding and related transactions. Ensure HR and financial records remain accurate and current and comply with applicable regulations.
• Support year-end activities, audits, special projects and other departmental and college business needs as assigned.

Skills

Financial analysis

Attention to detail

Communication

Customer service

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Concur

Excel

Accounting systems

Financial databases

Job description

About This Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative accountant III to provide comprehensive fiscal, sponsored-project, procurement, payroll and human resources support. This position plays an important role in ensuring accurate financial management, regulatory compliance, effective resource planning, and responsive service to faculty, staff, principal investigators and departmental leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Administration & Budget Management — Develop and monitor budgets and financial projections; analyze expenditures, balances and variances; ensure accurate, timely and compliant financial activity; prepare reports and advise faculty, staff and leadership on fiscal status and projected needs.
• Sponsored Projects Administration — Manage post-award financial activities for sponsored projects and matching accounts, including budgets, expenditures, commitments, reconciliations, reporting, corrections and closeout. Ensure transactions and documentation meet sponsor and university requirements and support audits and compliance reviews.
• Procurement, Travel & Fiscal Support — Review and process procurement, travel, payment, and vendor transactions for accuracy, funding, and compliance. Provide guidance on fiscal procedures and systems, including Concur, and coordinate with central offices to resolve issues.
• HR & Payroll Administration — Manage assigned personnel and payroll actions, including position changes, searches, hiring, onboarding and related transactions. Ensure HR and financial records remain accurate and current and comply with applicable regulations.
• Departmental & Special Projects Support — Support year-end activities, audits, special projects and other departmental and college business needs as assigned.

The ideal candidate will combine strong financial analysis skills, attention to detail, sound judgment and a commitment to customer service. Success in this role requires the ability to interpret complex financial information, manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and work independently while collaborating across university offices.

About Us

The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is dedicated to driving innovation and preparing the next generation of technological leaders. With 15 undergraduate, 11 master’s and 8 doctoral degree programs, the college is meeting growing demand for skilled professionals and advancing knowledge to benefit society. As a premier institution, our mission is to educate and empower students to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving world. Learn more at https://engg.k-state.edu/.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and three years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Relevant professional experience in accounting, financial administration, budgeting, auditing, or sponsored project administration.
• Experience with university financial systems, sponsored research administration, procurement, travel, or related business processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience with financial databases or accounting systems.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Application Window

Applications close on: Oct. 4, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$52,000 - $57,000 annually